Researchers studied how a ketogenic diet (high fat, low carb) might protect the brain and spinal cord in mice with a disease similar to multiple sclerosis. They found that the diet helped strengthen the protective barriers around the brain and spinal cord by changing how certain brain cells behave. The diet reduced inflammation and helped prevent nerve damage. These findings suggest that a ketogenic diet could be a helpful treatment option for people with multiple sclerosis, though more research in humans is needed to confirm these results.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a ketogenic diet (eating mostly fats and proteins, very few carbs) could protect the brain and spinal cord in mice with a disease that mimics multiple sclerosis
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice with an experimental disease similar to multiple sclerosis, studied over 24 days. Some mice ate a normal diet while others ate a ketogenic diet
  • Key finding: Mice on the ketogenic diet had stronger protective barriers around their brains and spinal cords, less nerve damage, and less inflammation compared to mice eating regular food
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that a ketogenic diet might help protect the nervous system in multiple sclerosis patients, but these results are from animal studies and haven’t been proven in humans yet. Talk to your doctor before making major diet changes

The Research Details

Scientists created mice with a disease that acts like multiple sclerosis by triggering their immune systems to attack nerve tissue. Half the mice ate a regular diet while the other half ate a ketogenic diet (mostly fats and proteins). Over 24 days, researchers measured how well the protective barriers around the brain and spinal cord were working, how much inflammation was present, and what changes happened in brain cells.

The researchers used several techniques to examine the mice’s brains and spinal cords. They looked at tissue samples under microscopes, measured specific proteins and molecules, and tracked changes in genes. They specifically looked for signs of nerve damage, immune cell activation, and the strength of the barriers protecting the nervous system.

This type of study is important because it allows scientists to understand the exact mechanisms of how diet affects disease before testing in humans. The controlled environment means researchers can carefully track what happens and rule out other factors that might affect the results.

Understanding how the ketogenic diet works at the cellular level is crucial for developing better treatments for multiple sclerosis. By identifying the specific mechanisms—like how it changes brain cell behavior and reduces inflammation—scientists can determine whether these benefits would likely transfer to human patients and how to optimize the approach

This study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with consistent conditions, which is good for understanding basic mechanisms. However, animal studies don’t always produce the same results in humans. The research appears thorough in measuring multiple aspects of the disease, but the sample size of mice wasn’t specified. Results from animal models need confirmation through human clinical trials before being recommended as treatment

What the Results Show

The ketogenic diet significantly strengthened the protective barriers around the brain and spinal cord in diseased mice. Researchers found that important proteins that hold these barriers together (like occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1) were increased in mice eating the ketogenic diet. These proteins act like glue that keeps the barrier tight and prevents harmful substances from leaking into the nervous system.

The diet also changed how certain brain cells called astrocytes behaved. These cells come in two types: A1 cells that promote inflammation and A2 cells that reduce inflammation and protect nerves. The ketogenic diet shifted more cells toward the protective A2 type, which helped reduce inflammation throughout the brain and spinal cord.

Inflammation markers dropped significantly in mice on the ketogenic diet. Harmful inflammatory chemicals (like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) decreased while protective chemicals (like TGF-β and IL-4) increased. This shift toward less inflammation appeared to be the key way the diet protected the nervous system.

The diet also reduced the recruitment of immune cells into the nervous system by lowering chemical signals that attract these cells. This meant fewer damaging immune cells were entering the brain and spinal cord to attack nerve tissue.

The ketogenic diet prevented demyelination, which is the loss of the protective coating around nerve fibers. It also suppressed the activation of microglia, another type of brain cell that can cause inflammation when overactive. The diet reduced the activity of specific inflammatory pathways inside cells and lowered the activation of inflammasomes, which are cellular structures that trigger inflammation. These secondary effects all contributed to overall nervous system protection

This research builds on earlier findings showing that ketogenic diets reduce inflammation in multiple sclerosis-like diseases. However, this study goes deeper by identifying exactly how the diet works—specifically through changing astrocyte behavior and strengthening barrier proteins. Previous research suggested the diet helped, but this work explains the underlying mechanisms, which is an important advance in understanding why it might work in humans

This study was conducted only in mice, not humans, so results may not directly apply to people with multiple sclerosis. The exact dose and type of ketogenic diet used in mice may not translate to human diets. The study didn’t examine long-term effects beyond 24 days. Additionally, the sample size of mice wasn’t specified, making it difficult to assess statistical power. The research doesn’t address potential side effects or whether the benefits would persist if the diet were stopped

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, a ketogenic diet appears promising for protecting the nervous system in multiple sclerosis, but human clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended as a standard treatment. If you have multiple sclerosis and are interested in dietary approaches, discuss the ketogenic diet with your neurologist and a registered dietitian. They can help determine if it’s appropriate for your specific situation and monitor your health. Confidence level: Low to Moderate (based on animal studies only)

People with multiple sclerosis or those at risk for it should be aware of this research. However, this is preliminary evidence from animal studies. Anyone considering a ketogenic diet should consult their healthcare provider first, especially those taking medications for MS or other conditions. People with certain medical conditions (like liver disease or diabetes) may need to avoid ketogenic diets

In animal studies, protective effects appeared within the 24-day study period. However, if this translates to humans, it’s unclear how long it would take to see benefits or how long they would last. Individual responses vary greatly, and human studies would need to establish realistic timelines for symptom improvement or disease stabilization

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If trying a ketogenic diet under medical supervision, track daily macronutrient intake (grams of fat, protein, and carbohydrates) and symptom changes like fatigue level, mobility, and cognitive function on a 1-10 scale
  • Work with a dietitian to gradually transition to a ketogenic diet while monitoring how you feel. Log meals and note any changes in MS symptoms, energy levels, or side effects. Share this data with your healthcare provider at regular appointments
  • Maintain a weekly summary of symptom severity, energy levels, and any disease progression signs. Schedule monthly check-ins with your healthcare provider to review trends and adjust the diet if needed. Track ketone levels if your doctor recommends it, as this indicates whether you’re in ketosis

This research is from animal studies and has not been tested in humans with multiple sclerosis. The findings are preliminary and should not be used as a basis for changing your MS treatment without consulting your neurologist. A ketogenic diet is not approved by the FDA as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. Before starting any new diet, especially if you have MS or take medications, consult with your healthcare provider and a registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary, and the diet may not be appropriate for everyone.